GE phoenix v|tome|x s240

For use of our CT scanner, please first refer to the laboratory User Policy, and contact staff to discuss your project before requesting time on our scheduling system.

The Microscopy and Imaging Facility currently houses a limited storage space that only allows the lab to hold on to scan data for a 7-day period. Within this 7-day period users are required to retrieve their data before it is transferred to the DTN.

In many instances, this can be done on the same day that the user scans specimens. However, in other instances the user is required to schedule a "data reconstruction and retrieval" day in which they process and transfer data on to their or their departments storage device(s).

GE phoenix v|tome|x s 240 System Overview

The 2010 GE phoenix v|tome|x s240 system is composed of two x-ray tubes, a high-resolution amorphous silicon detector and the GE phoenix datos acquisition and reconstruction software. The reconstructed data is then compiled on the Reconstruction PC. For post-processing and analysis of reconstructed-scan data, the lab currently utilizes Volume Graphics VG Studio Max 2025.1 as well as Fiji, Dragonfly, and others. The MIF houses a number of workstations capable of processing and analyzing CT scans.

GE phoenix v|tome|x s240 System Technical Description

The two x-ray tubes are used interchangeably to meet sample based and research requirements, and the same detector is used for both x-ray tubes. These sub-systems are all GE manufactured products and can be viewed on their web-page.

Nano-focus high resolution x-ray tube: The nano-focus, 180 kV x-ray tube produces a transmission type signal with interchangeable molybdenum, tungsten or diamond targets. This tube is employed when scanning small or low x-ray attenuating samples. A diamond target is used for most samples requiring this tube, however for those of low-attenuating contrast and the need for sub-10 micrometer resolution, the molybdenum target is installed for improved scan quality. The resolution of this tube ranges from .8um to 120um.

Micro-focus high energy x-ray tube: The micro-focus, 240 kV x-ray tube emits a reflected signal off of a tungsten target. This tube is employed when scanning large or high x-ray attenuating samples. Due to the high yield of x-rays generated by a reflective signal rather than a transmitted signal, the reflected signal's high-energetic nature is able to supply the radiation needed to penetrate high attenuating material and produce a strong signal transmitted through the sample for cleaner data collection. Commonly, this x-ray tube is used when a voxel size greater than 15 micrometers is sufficient or when metal deposits, high attenuating material or other artifact causing, absorptive material is commonplace in the sample. Minimum resolution is ~120 um.

DXR250: This amorphous silicone flat-panel detector is composed of a 2000x2000 pixel array at 200 micrometer pixel pitch with 14-bit capable detection. The active area of detection is 16 in. x 16 in. Exposure rates (termed "detector timing" in our set-up) can be adjusted to suit saturation needs at multiple intervals ranging from 131 ms to 5 s. For large specimens, a Helix or a Multi-scan project can be enabled to cover specimens unable to fit entirely within the 16 in. (20.62 cm) height of the detector face. The 14-bit detection allows for x-ray positive images written in a 16-bit .tiff format, which corresponds to over 65,000 gray-levels for an enhanced dynamic range of x-ray images.

Prior to June 2020 the detector was a DXR250RT 8"x8" 1000x1000 pixel detector.

For more information or clarification of the details provided please contact us at [email protected].